Kendall Walters
Times contributor
Langley claims to be the horse capital of B.C., but new businesses in town are aiming to make the city more about horsepower.
The area is quickly becoming known as a destination for automotive sales, particularly luxury vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is the latest to add its name to the roster of car dealerships making their home along the Langley Bypass.
“Langley has been identified as the new hub for luxury,” said Tanis Sullivan, marketing manager for Mercedes-Benz dealership owner The Dilawri Group.
Sullivan said that Langley is home to a number of Mercedes Benz owners in need of service.
The new dealership is the largest in Western Canada and the only sales and service centre in the Fraser Valley, serving clients from as far as Chilliwack.
“There’s a demand,” said Sullivan. “There’s a niche here for Mercedes-Benz.”
In addition, Mercedes managed to snag a prime piece of real estate, sitting on the corner of the Langley Bypass and Glover Road.
“We couldn’t get a more prominent location,” said Sullivan.
She added that the dealership has the potential to appeal to a broader demographic than people might expect, particularly with new B-Class vehicles priced in the neighbourhood of $30,000.
Amidst the balloons, jazz trio, bright blue sugary-sweet cupcakes and live car reviews from Zack Spencer of Driving Television that marked the dealership’s grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 28, Mark Mullens and his family checked out the new cars.
“We’re in the market for a new vehicle,” said Mullens, adding that he and his wife are considering Mercedes because of its reliability and features.
As Mullens browsed the showroom, Ava, his daughter, excitedly climbed in and around the vehicles; at the sight of a shiny red convertible, she proclaimed that was the one she liked.
Mullens said they’re looking for a sporty sedan.